The document summarizes the development of prototypes for certifying communication skills for former military personnel transitioning to civilian sector jobs. It discusses how interviews identified a lack of flexibility in translating military knowledge and skills to potential employers. Two prototypes were created: one involving a certification from a roundtable of military and civilian leaders, and another adding military laws and policies to a consulting firm's certification initiatives to help understand different work environments. Stakeholder comments noted the need to educate civilians about the military to be on the same page, and that degrees involve communication skills but not for military contexts, creating challenges depending on the situation.

1. DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
FORMER MILITARY PERSONNEL
OR RESERVISTS
Dr. Brenda Nelson-Porter
August 16, 2013
Design Thinking Action Lab, Stanford University

2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Based on the data collected from two interviews,
the following problem statement emerged:
The general problem focuses on the lack of communication skills obtained at the
Bachelor‟s-level and during military schooling or training that relate to the private
workforce. The specific problem focuses on not having the communication know-how
(being flexible) to appropriately (a) translate military knowledge and skills to prospective
private sector employers (b) and approach the concerns of clients in the private sector.

3. GREAT IDEAS

4. CERTIFICATION
BASED ON TRANSITIONING
Promotes learning,
Promotes networking,
Give recognition in the field of
study that a certain level of
knowledge has been identified
IDEA SELECTION

5. PROTOTYPE A
Holding a Formal Private Designation,
Former Military Personnel or Reservists
May Now Be Heard and Seen!

6. I WAS BLIND,
BUT NOW I SEE

7. The Eye of the Prototype represents a round
table of military leaders (i.e., ribbons and
emblem) and civilian leaders of professional
associations (i.e., lapel pins) developing a
certification for former military personnel and
reservists. It also shows military personnel
transforming (i.e., soldiers) into private sector
professionals (i.e., big heads). The green eye
represents the military “greens” uniform or the
battlefield of negotiations. The black in the
middle of the eye is a military boot housing
military and civilian terminologies.

8. “Even though these components are separate, the similarities make it
complex. Depend on the situation, the expected outcome and the recipient
are variables and should be considered in the equation. The nonmilitary
sector somehow needs to be educated about the military so that way everyone
is on the same page. We are all to be for the same mission (preserving the
nation). How could this happen? With your input this should be
accomplished.”
PROTOTYPE A
STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS

9. PROTOTYPE B
If environments impact learning and shape performance,
then laws and policies that govern the environments,
must be understood to approach the issues.
Militiary laws and policies, thus, has become a part of
Brigette‟s Technology Consulting and Research Firm‟s
Certification Initiatives for Corporate Scholars
To view the prototype, visit:
http://www.brigettes.com/Certification/InformationCESCER.htm

10. PROTOTYPE B
STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS
“Bachelor prepared degree in any USA institution involves communication skills
but not necessary toward military entities. This shortcoming could injury the
outcome of any specific situation depending on the situation and surroundings. You
addressed the most significant outcome being flexible. Both unities need specific
instructions. The military is trained for this which you brought out, but civilians live
for the moment not the mission. When asked would I die for my employer, the
answer was absolutely, „NO‟, but when asked about the military, one would say
„when and where‟.”

11. THANK YOU
SERVING OUR COUNTRY!